Buttermilk and Banana Waffles

In a large bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt, mixing well.

In a large measuring cup, combine the buttermilk, egg and melted butter and whisk until blended. Place half of the sliced bananas in a small bowl and mash coarsely; do not worry if the mixture is a little lumpy. Add the mashed banana to the buttermilk mixture, then stir into the flour mixture. Using a fork or whisk, mix until the batter is smooth.

Preheat a waffle iron according to the manufacturer's directions. Using a paper towel or pastry brush, lightly grease the waffle iron with vegetable oil. Following the manufacturer’s directions, ladle batter sufficient for 1 waffle into the iron, spreading it evenly. Close the waffle iron and cook until the waffle iron will open easily (no peeking for the first 2 minutes). Transfer the waffle to a platter and keep warm while you cook the remaining batter.

Serve the waffles garnished with the remaining banana slices and drizzled with the warmed maple syrup.